Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Government action plan - Avian influenza |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 24 2006 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
Mr LAWLOR: I refer to page 1-23 dot point 9 of the Ministerial Portfolio Statement and I ask: is the government adequately prepared to deal with an outbreak of avian influenza?
Mr MULHERIN: Emergency disease response capability is a priority for the department. Queensland has made a major contribution to the comprehensive Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan, otherwise known as the AUSVETPLAN, and follows the general all hazards approach to emergency disease management. With H5N1 influenza spreading in other parts of the world the department has been active in reviewing and updating preparedness activities.
Late in 2005 a departmental task force was appointed to undertake this program. An external reviewer also reported favourably on the level of readiness. Recommendations made as part of this review are being progressively implemented. The department also participated in the national Exercise Eleusis in November 2005. More recently a veterinary officer has been taken off line to specifically complete the implementation of a number of initiatives. Queensland is leading the nation in respect to these arrangements.
Five outbreaks of non-H5N1 avian influenza have occurred in Australia since 1976. One was at Lowood in 1994. These were all quickly eradicated using tried and proven techniques. While the risk of introduction is officially regarded as low, Queensland has taken the threat very seriously and acted positively. Avian influenza is one of some 63 different emergency animal diseases subject to national preparedness and response agreements. The particular strategies for avian influenza are nationally agreed and facilitated through the AUSVETPLAN. Any response is a national response with Queensland being the lead agency if an outbreak occurs. Preparedness is focused on five key areas. The first is communication, media and awareness. This is to ensure that stakeholders are aware of the issues and their responsibilities. A key issue has been promotion of on-farm biosecurity practices to prevent outbreaks occurring. The second point was workplace health and safety. Close liaison has occurred with Queensland Health and protective equipment has been purchased to ensure the safety of people involved in an outbreak. The third is initial diagnosis. Surveillance procedures have been enhanced to ensure rapid diagnosis should an outbreak occur. The fourth is control. A range of response plans have been updated. The fifth is liaison. Contacts have been maintained with a range of agencies and industry bodies to ensure responses are appropriate and timely. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 3:43 PM
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